Best Bankruptcy lawyers in Hopewell, NJ

1 Bankruptcy Lawyers in Hopewell, NJ

experienced lawyers

Graig P Corveleyn

2 East Broad Street (Second Floor), Hopewell, NJ

Bankruptcy Estate Planning Real Estate +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

14 Jun, 2019 by Dhaarna

Graig helped us with our deal to buy a home in Hopewell. He is very thorough with his knowledge and gave us inputs throughout the process of Attorney Review, Inspection & Contingencies and Closing. He explained us all documentation very well at the time of closing before we actually signed anything. The experience was very smooth and friendly. Would highly recommend Graig for his services.

29 Sep, 2015 by Anne

I had a very sticky situation ~ but Mr Corveleyn was on top of everything & did an excellent job. Very knowledgeable, dedicated & compassionate. I would HIGHLY recommend him to everyone!

27 Mar, 2015 by Charlie

I am a business & financial planning consultant. I work pretty much nationwide. I was sued for "fraudulent transfer" in a New Jersey bankruptcy court by one of my best former clients---one for whom I had worked five years and actually done pretty well. But this guy (my former client) was a big talker and a dreamer, and he landed himself in a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, represented by a lawyer who was positively legendary (I found out) in New Jersey). It all started last summer at a moment when I was particularly short on cash. I must have spoken to three dozen lawyers all over New Jersey. On hearing the name of the lawyer who was representing my former client, every one of these lawyers said, "OH NO." Now, I knew that my former client's case was not only frivolous on the merits but time-barred. So I had to start off by representing myself pro se. I got ONE count knocked out on the first motion to dismiss, so I did "OK" on my own, but couldn't get the case to go away completely, and I knew I couldn't possibly represent myself in Court, go to trial on my own, or anything like that---"anyone who represents himself in Court has a fool for a lawyer," right? So I continued talked to even more lawyers in New Jersey. Somehow, someway, I found (this is going to sound so corny, but I believe it): somehow God sent me to Graig Corveleyn. Graig Corveleyn not only accepted my case on what I can only call very reasonable terms, he showed no "fear, shock or awe" at the idea of defending me against this very senior, very prestigious, New Jersey Bankruptcy Lawyer who was, like I say, to every other lawyer in the state, some kind of "Legend of Superman." Even in our initial interviews, I could tell that Mr. Corveleyn knew the Bankruptcy Courts and the applicable law backwards and forwards. He took my case, even though he knew he was fighting this "Superhero Super-lawyer" on the other side.... As I say, I work nationwide, so I have literally dealt with lawyers everywhere from Boston, Mass, and Bangor, Maine, to Wasilla, Alaska, and Waikiki, Hawaii. I normally have a rather dim view of lawyers---they are conformists who cannot think outside the box or imagine anything that is new, different, or outside whatever there cookie-cutter specialty is. In Graig Corveleyn, I found someone who actually COULD see the forest and the trees, and notice that there was smut on the bark and rot inside of even on some of the oldest and biggest growths in the whole forest. And he could see the justice on my side---even though I'm a very unusual case. Did you read that, folks, "he could see justice....even in a very unusual case." THAT is really unusual in a lawyer, and it makes Graig Corveleyn a real hero---not a legend because he's been around forever and had really big clients in the past (that was my opponent's lawyer), but because Graig Corveleyn has eyes to see and ears to hear, a discerning mind and a heart to sympathize. As of this moment, my case isn't over yet. Graig has not waivered, not dropped the ball, not showed any sign of quitting....even though the flow of money has been more regularly in the negative than in the positive towards him. That's because he has a brain and a heart to see a winnable case even in an unusual and difficult situation. I expect Graig Corveleyn will one day be a legend himself. Not because of my case (although who knows? The other side is strangely persistent in the face of one defeat and setback after another), but because of who he is and how he does what he does. Graig Corveleyn has worked inside the system with the U.S. Trustee's office---I don't quite understand how all that works in Bankruptcy Court, but that's why we need lawyers, right? He knows all the Judges and what's normal, abnormal, and downright crazy/fruity. Bankruptcy Courts are Courts of equity and I would have to say, Graig Coveleyn's sense of equity and fairness is almost unparalleled in any lawyer I have ever met.

Discover the ideal lawyer

You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code

FAQs

Questions? We have answers

What a Bankruptcy Lawyer Can Do for You

A bankruptcy lawyer specializes in helping individuals and businesses manage overwhelming debt by filing for bankruptcy or exploring alternatives to bankruptcy. They guide clients through the complex legal process of discharging or restructuring debts, represent them in court, and work to protect assets such as homes and cars. Bankruptcy lawyers can also help stop creditor harassment, wage garnishment, and foreclosures through bankruptcy protections.

If you're facing financial hardship, a bankruptcy lawyer can help you decide whether filing for bankruptcy is the right option and assist you through the legal process.

When Should I Hire a Bankruptcy Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a bankruptcy lawyer in the following situations:

Unmanageable debt: If you're unable to pay your bills and debts are piling up, a lawyer can help you explore options such as Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Foreclosure or repossession: If your home is at risk of foreclosure or your vehicle is in danger of being repossessed, a bankruptcy lawyer can help you use bankruptcy protections to prevent this and potentially reorganize your debts.
Wage garnishment: If your wages are being garnished, filing for bankruptcy can stop garnishments and allow you to regain control of your finances.
Creditor harassment: If creditors are constantly calling or sending collection notices, a bankruptcy lawyer can stop these actions by filing for bankruptcy, which enacts an automatic stay that halts collection activities.
Small business debt: If your business is struggling with debt and cannot meet financial obligations, a lawyer can help you file for Chapter 11 (reorganization) or Chapter 7 (liquidation) bankruptcy.
Medical debt or credit card debt: If you have large amounts of unsecured debt like medical bills or credit card balances, a bankruptcy lawyer can help you seek relief through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Hiring a bankruptcy lawyer early in the process can prevent further financial damage and help you choose the best legal option for debt relief.

What Does a Bankruptcy Lawyer Do?

A bankruptcy lawyer provides a range of services to help individuals and businesses handle their debts. Their responsibilities often include:

Evaluating your financial situation: Assessing your income, assets, debts, and expenses to determine if bankruptcy is the right option and which type of bankruptcy (Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or Chapter 11) best suits your situation.
Filing bankruptcy petitions: Preparing and filing the necessary documents to initiate your bankruptcy case, ensuring that all legal requirements are met.
Stopping creditor harassment: Once the bankruptcy case is filed, an automatic stay is enacted, which stops creditors from pursuing collection efforts. A lawyer ensures this protection is applied immediately.
Representing you in court: Representing you in court proceedings, including meetings with creditors and any hearings related to your case.
Negotiating with creditors: In Chapter 13 or Chapter 11 bankruptcies, negotiating a repayment plan that restructures your debts and allows you to manage payments more effectively.
Advising on asset protection: Guiding you on how to protect certain assets, such as your home or retirement savings, through available bankruptcy exemptions.
Explaining the impact on your credit: Informing you about how bankruptcy will affect your credit and advising on steps to rebuild your credit post-bankruptcy.

How Are Bankruptcy Lawyers Paid?

Bankruptcy lawyers typically charge for their services in different ways depending on the complexity of the case and the type of bankruptcy being filed. Common payment structures include:

Flat fee: Many bankruptcy lawyers charge a flat fee for handling Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. This fee usually covers the entire process, from preparing and filing paperwork to representing you in court.
Hourly rate: For more complex cases, such as Chapter 11 bankruptcy (often used by businesses), some lawyers charge an hourly rate. Hourly rates typically range from $150 to $500 or more.
Retainer: In cases where ongoing legal services are required, such as in Chapter 11 bankruptcies or complex Chapter 13 cases, a lawyer may request a retainer, which is an upfront payment billed against as the lawyer works on the case.

It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront, as bankruptcy law requires lawyers to disclose all fees and ensure they are reasonable and fair.

How Much Does a Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a bankruptcy lawyer varies depending on the type of bankruptcy and the complexity of the case. General cost estimates include:

Chapter 7 bankruptcy: For individuals, legal fees usually range from $1,000 to $3,500. This flat fee generally covers the entire process.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy: For individuals filing Chapter 13, legal fees typically range from $2,500 to $6,000. This cost is higher because of the additional work required to create and manage the repayment plan.
Chapter 11 bankruptcy (for businesses): Chapter 11 bankruptcy is more complex and usually more expensive, with legal fees ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the size of the business and the complexity of the debt restructuring.
Filing fees: In addition to legal fees, there are also court filing fees, which are $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13 as of 2024.

Always ask for a detailed cost estimate during your consultation to understand what services are included and whether payment plans are available.

How to Check the Credibility of a Bankruptcy Lawyer

To ensure you are hiring a reputable bankruptcy lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and track record:

Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no history of disciplinary actions.
Look for bankruptcy experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in bankruptcy law and have successfully handled cases like yours.
Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and ability to handle bankruptcy cases.
Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on bankruptcy matters.
Check for certifications or memberships: Look for lawyers who are members of organizations such as the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) or who have specialized bankruptcy law certifications.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first consultation with a bankruptcy lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

List of debts: Prepare a detailed list of all your debts, including credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, and any secured debts such as mortgages or car loans.
Income and expense records: Bring documents that show your current income, such as pay stubs or tax returns, and a list of your monthly expenses, including rent, utilities, and other essential costs.
Asset information: Provide information on any assets you own, such as your home, car, investments, or other valuable property.
Credit reports: If possible, bring copies of your credit reports to give the lawyer a clear view of your financial situation.
Questions for the lawyer: Prepare a list of questions you have about the bankruptcy process, the lawyer’s fees, and what to expect after filing for bankruptcy.

By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice tailored to your needs.